Breakdown of Colossians 3:1-2

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." — The phrase "were raised with Christ" isn't just about a past event; it's about your present reality, implying that your spiritual life already began and is intrinsically linked to Christ's resurrec…

Colossians 3:1-2 Meaning Explained

All verses

Colossians 3:1-2

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The phrase "were raised with Christ" isn't just about a past event; it's about your present reality, implying that your spiritual life already began and is intrinsically linked to Christ's resurrection. Because of this profound union, the verse argues that seeking heavenly things isn't an option, but a logical consequence of who you are now in Christ.

What Colossians 3:1-2 means

The Apostle Paul has just spent two chapters warning against false teachings and legalistic practices that tried to trap believers in the earthly realm. Now, he pivots to the positive implications of their union with Christ, arguing that because they have died with Christ and been raised to a new spiritual life, their focus must shift upwards. This shift is motivated by the reality that Christ Himself is now seated in heavenly glory at God's right hand.

You Rose with Christ

The verse starts with a powerful 'If then you have been raised with Christ.' This isn't just a hopeful wish, but a declared reality for believers.

Paul isn't questioning whether believers have been raised with Christ. He's stating it as a foundational truth. This spiritual resurrection is deeply connected to baptism, symbolizing a death to the old life and a new birth into life with Christ.

A New Identity

Because you are 'raised with Christ,' your past sins and old ways of living no longer have the same power over you. This resurrection isn't just a future hope; it's a present reality that redefines who you are.

The Foundation for Action

This established fact of your resurrection with Christ is the bedrock upon which Paul builds his instruction to 'seek the things that are above.' Your new life in Christ grants you the capacity and the calling to orient your life towards heavenly things.

The Gravity of Heavenly Things

What does it truly mean to 'seek the things that are above'? It's more than just a mental exercise; it's a fundamental reorientation of your life's pursuit.

Paul contrasts 'the things that are above' with 'the things that are on the earth.' This isn't about escaping earthly responsibilities, but about prioritizing where your ultimate affections and ambitions lie.

Christ as the Center

The ultimate 'thing above' is Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God. His presence in heaven is the magnet that draws the believer's heart and mind. Your pursuit of heavenly things is directly linked to your pursuit of Christ.

A Shift in Perspective

When you truly 'seek the things that are above,' your perspective on earthly matters shifts. They are viewed through the lens of eternity and God's purposes, rather than solely through immediate gratification or worldly standards. This heavenly focus provides a powerful antidote to the temptations and distractions of the world.

Understand the original words

Original language

raisedσυνηγέρθητε

synēgerthēte · Greek Verb

To be restored to life; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the regeneration of the believer, who is united with Jesus in His resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life.

ChristΧριστός

Christos · Greek Noun

The promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world; the eternal Son of God who became incarnate, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again to reconcile believers to God.

right handδεξιᾷ

dexia · Greek Noun

A metaphorical or literal position of supreme authority, power, and honor at the Father’s side, signifying the completion of the Savior's redemptive work and His present intercession.

Set your mindsφρονεῖτε

phroneite · Greek Verb

Historical context

Written: Likely around 60-62 AD.
Author: The Apostle Paul is traditionally considered the author, though some scholars debate his sole authorship.
Location: Written from prison, likely in Rome or possibly Caesarea.
Genre: Epistle (Letter) with strong theological and practical exhortation, featuring a key literary device of drawing conclusions from established spiritual realities.

Historical background

This verse is rooted in the foundational events of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, which Paul uses as the bedrock for a transformed life focused on heavenly realities rather than earthly concerns.

c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Christian faith, Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection, forming the basis for believers' spiritual new life and hope.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ascension to the Father's Right Hand
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, signifying His enthronement and ongoing mediation for believers.
c. AD 40-50
Early Spread of Christianity
The Gospel rapidly spread from Jerusalem throughout the Roman Empire, reaching places like Colossae.
c. AD 54-56— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, wrote letters to various churches, including Colossae, offering spiritual guidance and correction.
c. AD 60-62

Key themes

01Raised with Christ
02Heavenly pursuit
03Christ's reigning authority
04New life's focus

Cross-references

Romans 6:4

This passage echoes the idea of 'being raised with Christ' by describing our baptism as a symbolic burial and resurrection with Him, signifying a new life freed from sin.

Philippians 3:20

It highlights our 'citizenship in heaven,' reinforcing the idea from Colossians that our true home and focus should be in the spiritual realm where Christ resides, rather than on earthly matters.

Ephesians 2:6

This verse speaks of God 'raising us up with Christ' and 'making us sit with him in the heavenly places,' directly supporting the concept of our current elevated spiritual position with Christ.

Hebrews 12:2

It encourages believers to 'look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,' which aligns with seeking the things above, as Christ is the ultimate object of our heavenly gaze.

Scholarly commentary

Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

Be risen (συνηγέρθητε)Rev., correctly, were raised. See Colossians 2:12. In their baptism in which they died (Colossians 2:20). Compare Romans 6:2 sqq.Sitteth (ἐστιν καθήμενος)According to the A.V. the literal rendering would be is sitting. Is, however, must be taken separately; where Christ is, seated. Seated is a secondary predicate, as hidden in Colossians 2…
vincent

Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

If ye then be risen with Christ - The apostle in this place evidently founds the argument on what he had said in Colossians 2:12 ; see the notes at that passage. The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and his people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in virtue of his resurrection they rise to spiritual life, and that,…
barnes

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What Colossians 3:1-2 means

Original language

raisedσυνηγέρθητε

synēgerthēte · Greek Verb

To be restored to life; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the regeneration of the believer, who is united with Jesus in His resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life.

ChristΧριστός

Christos · Greek Noun

The promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world; the eternal Son of God who became incarnate, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again to reconcile believers to God.

right handδεξιᾷ

dexia · Greek Noun

A metaphorical or literal position of supreme authority, power, and honor at the Father’s side, signifying the completion of the Savior's redemptive work and His present intercession.

Set your mindsφρονεῖτε

phroneite · Greek Verb

Historical context

Written: Likely around 60-62 AD.
Author: The Apostle Paul is traditionally considered the author, though some scholars debate his sole authorship.
Location: Written from prison, likely in Rome or possibly Caesarea.
Genre: Epistle (Letter) with strong theological and practical exhortation, featuring a key literary device of drawing conclusions from established spiritual realities.

Historical background

This verse is rooted in the foundational events of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, which Paul uses as the bedrock for a transformed life focused on heavenly realities rather than earthly concerns.

c. AD 30-33

Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection

The central events of Christian faith, Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection, forming the basis for believers' spiritual new life and hope.

c. AD 30-33

Jesus' Ascension to the Father's Right Hand

Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, signifying His enthronement and ongoing mediation for believers.

c. AD 40-50

Early Spread of Christianity

The Gospel rapidly spread from Jerusalem throughout the Roman Empire, reaching places like Colossae.

c. AD 54-56— this verse

Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry

Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, wrote letters to various churches, including Colossae, offering spiritual guidance and correction.

c. AD 60-62